Managing radioactive waste with emphasis on the surface environment

The overall objective of Canada's Nuclear Fuel Waste Management Program (CNFWMP) is to develop a method for safe, permanent disposal of nuclear fuel waste from CANDU reactors. Research and development pertaining to this program covers interim storage, transportation, immobilization and subsequent disposal. The proposed disposal concept involves burial of waste deep in plutonic rock. A combination of man-made and natural barriers will ensure safety of the facility. Experimental results and natural analogues are used to guide the long-term environmental assessment of the concept. At the present time, the CNFWMP is entering the concept assessment phase when regulatory agencies and the public will review a formal submission, the Concept Assessment Document, summarizing the findings of the program